Of last season’s 10 playoff teams, only one finished March/April with a losing record (the Oakland A’s at 11-13). The other nine teams combined for a .597 winning percentage, led by the Texas Rangers at 17-6.

Among the teams with the 10 worst March/April records last season, only two (A’s, Los Angeles Angels) finished the season above .500.

Mike Trout and the L.A. Angels will be tested early against some of 2012's best teams. (AP Photo)

So, it’s true that the games in April count just as much as the games in September. And that either will be good news or bad news for the following teams this season:

MOST CHALLENGING MARCH/APRIL SCHEDULES

Los Angeles Angels. The only good that came from their 8-15 April last season was that it triggered the late-month call-up of Mike Trout. Things won’t be any easier this season, as the Angels will face more 2012 playoff teams (17 games) in the opening month than any other major league team.

Washington Nationals. A popular pick to reach the Fall Classic, the Nationals first must survive April. They will play 15 games against playoff teams from last season, including two series against both the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. And then there’s a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals, who ended Washington’s 2012 postseason run.

Tampa Bay Rays. They were a good road team last season and will need to be again, as 15 of their 27 April games are away from The Trop. In addition, they must face the Baltimore Orioles (six games), New York Yankees (three), Rangers (three) and A’s (three), in addition the seemingly improved Boston Red Sox (four), Cleveland Indians (three) and Kansas City Royals (one).

MOST FAVORABLE MARCH/APRIL SCHEDULES

Texas Rangers. Don’t be surprised if they finish with the majors’ best March/April record again this season. The Rangers are the only team that won’t face a single 2012 playoff team in the early going, and 10 of their matchups are against the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins. However, only 10 of Texas’ March/April games are at home.

San Francisco Giants. In April, the defending World Series champions will play just three games against a 2012 playoff team (St. Louis Cardinals) and only nine games against teams that finished last season above .500. The schedule also includes 18 games against the Cubs, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.

New York Mets. Finally, something for the fans of this bruised and battered franchise to cheer about: the Washington Nationals are the only 2012 playoff team on the Mets’ April schedule. New York’s sub-.500 opponents include the Miami Marlins (five games), Rockies (four), Padres (three) and Twins (three). But here’s the buzz kill: New York was 13-11 last April and 43-46 after June—and still finished 74-88.

TEAMS THAT CAN’T AFFORD ANOTHER SLOW START

Kansas City Royals. Their 6-15 record in April last season included a 10-game home losing streak. A revamped rotation should assure that won’t happen again. If Kansas City is to contend, it must make an early statement. Facing each division opponent (a total of 13 games) will allow that opportunity, as will playing only five games against playoff teams from last season.

Philadelphia Phillies. An 11-12 start set the tone for their disappointing 2012 season, and the division will be even less forgiving this season. If Philly hopes to compete with the Nationals and Braves, it can’t dig itself into an early season hole. But road series at Atlanta and at Cincinnati and a home series against the Cardinals are potential April pitfalls.

Boston Red Sox. They actually were a .500 team (11-11) last April, but even that won’t be good enough this season. In order to wash away the stench of the past two seasons and earn the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2009, success must come early. That begins with re-establishing their dominance at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox will play 17 of their 27 April games.